Growth is a Personal Matter

At Seichou Karate® we encourage our students to grow by constantly challenging themselves. One way of doing this is to strive to attain higher ranking by taking a promotion twice annually. However, as each individual learns at a unique pace, we do not require students to take every promotion test for which they are eligible.

Also, “personal growth” means different things at different points of a student’s training. As such, first-time examinees for promotion must demonstrate a command of the requirements set out below for promotion to 10th kyu blue belt. By contrast, for promotion to rankings above the blue belt level, growth is demonstrated by:

(1) a command of the new requirements for promotion and
(2) greater maturity in the context of karate. At Seichou Karate®, maturity means self-control, patience, cooperativeness, truthfulness, kindness, and gentleness toward others.

7 Seichou Pillars

Promotion Policy

Seichou Karate® Promotion Tests consist of rank–appropriate Performance and Written tests. During the Performance Test, students must demonstrate command of the basic form, movement patterns, and free-fighting elements appropriate to their rank. On the Written Test students must demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and terminology appropriate to their rank. In order to pass, students must score 80 percent or higher on each component.

Eligibility for Promotion

In order to be eligible to take a promotion test students must have taken the requisite number of lessons specified for each rank below. For example, newcomers taking their first promotion test must have taken 25 lessons. All others must have taken 25 lessons since their last promotion test.

Promotion Test Scheduling

Seichou Karate® offers regularly scheduled Promotion Tests each spring and fall. Students may elect to take an exam at those times or, with their instructor’s permission, they may take an exam as soon as they have completed the class attendance requirements.

Ranking

Ranking at Seichou Karate is designated by the color of one’s belt as follows: white (beginner), blue, yellow, green, purple, brown, and black (advanced student). There are two “kyu” rankings for each belt level below black belt. There are also different levels of black belt rankings. These are known as “dan” rankings. Students below the rank of black belt are known as “mudansha,” whereas those who have achieved the rank of black belt are “yudansha.”

Prior Martial Arts Experience

At Seichou Karate, the process of learning our particular basic form, movement patterns, and fighting techniques is essential for correct execution and for building “Seichou character.” Therefore, irrespective of whether or not they have had previous martial arts experience, all of our students begin their training at the rank of 12th kyu white belt.